The order is valued at approximately $120 million, including price escalations based on best faith assessment of assumptions, and is an option contained in a 2010 contract for a maximum of 860 trains signed with SNCF on behalf of the regions.

Bombardier's retraction project is part of LU's larger Central Line Improvement Program, which will bring a number of passenger-focussed improvements and is expected to significantly reduce customer-affecting failures on the Central Line fleet.

The companies are reportedly making progress on one joint venture for their rolling stock operations, which would be controlled by Montreal-based Bombardier, and another for signaling, in which Siemens would have a majority

In addition, the company will execute a Technical Services and Spares Supply Agreement for the duration of the seven-year franchise, with an option to extend for 11 periods in line with the existing franchise extension option.